In a study by the University of Georgia, it was revealed that many herbs and spices, being rich in the antioxidant phenol, can prevent damage and inflammation to tissues caused by high levels of blood sugar. According to Associate Professor James Hargrove of the UGA College of Family and Consumer Services, protein glycation happens when blood sugars are high. Protein glycation is a process where protein molecules bond with a sugar- producing advanced glycation end product, otherwise known as AGE products. AGE products cause inflammation and damage to tissue connected with diabetes and aging. The study discovered that there was a direct connection between the phenol content in herbs and spices and their capacity to retard the production of AGE compounds.
Below are some herbs and spices you can consider including in your diet:
1. Cinnamon - This herb has been found to have 18 percent phenol content in dry weight. For type-2 diabetics or those who suffer from insulin resistance, studies have shown that cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.
2. Cloves - This herb contains 30 percent levels of the antioxidant phenol in dry weight. It also contains the antioxidants anthocyanins and quercetin. It also offers anti-inflammatory, analgesic and digestive health benefits. Clove oil can be used to for something as uncomplicated as toothaches, headaches, cough and even indigestion.
3. Oregano - This herb is popularly found in Spanish and Mediterranean cooking and is sometimes known as marjoram. It adds depth and flavor to any dish and goes well with tomatoes, eggplant and meat. It has been thought to treat bacteria and parasitic infection and its oil has been used to treat head lice. In a recent study, oregano was found to treat giardia - an infection of the intestines brought about by microscopic parasites - effectively. Herbalists even recommend it as a treatment for E-coli.
4. Sage - This herb contains phytosterols reputed to have a cooling action. Herbal medicine practitioners use it to treat uterine bleeding and cramps. A German study on this herb shows that diabetics who drank infusions of sage on an empty stomach reduced their blood sugar levels. It is popularly used to flavor meat and soup dishes and can even be drunk as tea.
5. Garlic - Garlic contains sulfur compounds - specifically hydrogen sulfide gas - which dilate blood vessels. It is this effect that reduces blood pressure. This same compounds help in the metabolism of iron and protect against oxidative damage and even high cholesterol. Garlic adds a characteristic flavor in soups and sauces. Accordingly, stocking up on herbs and spices to season food could highly affect the medicinal value of a meal without ever increasing caloric content. For those who are conscious of their calorie intake, this is excellent news. Plus, herbs can easily be found in any store, making them an inexpensive and convenient way to manage blood sugar levels.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035590_blood_sugar_herbs_spices.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080805153830.htm
http://www.organicfacts.nethttp://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/sage-herbal-remedies.html
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